Adnan’s ‘Floral Futurism’ exhibition is his first solo show, a collection of 12 tapestry like paintings and one installation which relates to social justice and commentary on forced displacement. Utilizing ancient forms melded with futuristic techniques; the artist seamlessly creates an enveloping environment which allows viewers to become engulfed in the deeper meaning of each work.
The artist introduces a new perspective utilizing his motifs for cultural bridge building, community dialogue, and understanding. Floral abstract motifs are his current practice of expression to captivate a viewer and engage in conversation around cultural displacement.
Solo Exhibition Image / Feb 2022.
Artist Adnan Razvi standing in front of his piece “Petals on the Floor”, 2022 , Acrylics and spray paint on canvas.
(photo by Kim Phan Nguyen)
Installation “5949972 - The Truest American”, 2022, Social Justice installation
SUNFLOWERS IN TEXAS, 2021, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 143” x 84”
UMOJA WA MAKABILA YANGU (Unity of My Tribes), 2021, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 113” x 84”
TORORO POLLEN, 2021, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 108” x 84”
NAMIRI (PANTHER) , 2020, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 105” x 84”
Namiri, Kiswahili for Panther is inspired by the feline embodiment of courage and ancient tradition. The artist’s grandmother repeated a story to him about a tribal practice that she participated in “They made an incision, and placed in it lion heart. Once it healed, it meant I had the spiritual force of courage. Anyone that tried to harm me would see the face of a fearsome lion.” Through her great migration from Uganda to Chicago, the artist believes this spiritualism embodied her spirit and empowered her.
FRAGRANCE OF U, MAHATUN, MUMTAZ AND SOFIA, 2022, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 3 pieces, each 63” x 84”
MAWIMBI (Waves), 2019, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 103” x 84”
MAWIMBI II (Waves), 2021, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas
“Future in Bloom”, 2022 , Acrylics and spray paint on canvas. 170” x 84”
The artist painted a Bull to represent the perseverance, strength and continued growth of Black and Brown people, who stand firm and blossom regardless of how they might be perceived. Yellow flowers are offered for prosperity and continued growth.
“Chicago, synonymous with the Bull, was the beginning of my family’s migration to America. As a child of immigrants from Uganda and Pakistan, I was taught to practice perseverance and the will to survive in the city. My blood suffered as did a collective generation. Those circumstantial experiences travel through people and time.”
PETALS ON THE FLOOR , 2022, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 170” x 84”
February 2022 marks four months since the artist lost one of his mother’s to COVID-19. Each flower depicted represents one month.
Razvi created this painting to pay honor, tribute and have presence for those experiencing loss and suffering during this pandemic. The green color in the abstract form represents standing on grass as symbolism for placing petals on the floor as someone passes.
The artist created a womb in the center of the piece, the flowers dripping through it to represent re-birth into the next dimension/afterlife.
MAUA (Flowers), 2019, Acrylic and spray paint on canvas, 106” x 84”